The Surprising Reason Why Queen Elizabeth and the Royals Will Break From Tradition This Easter

Easter is a time we spend gathering Easter eggs and spending quality time with family. At least, that's what the weekend poses to many of us normal folk. But for royals? Well, that's an entirely different story.

In previous years, British monarchs have traditionally celebrated Easter with their wider family, partaking in a number of traditions that might seem a little foreign to us. While many of us are hunting for Easter eggs and putting together a delicious roast for the extended family, the queen and her brood usually attend a church service together at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. Usual attendees include Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Prince Harry and cousins Beatrice and Eugenie. After attending the church service, the queen typically receives a bouquet of flowers from local children.

But this year, things might work out a little differently. First, Easter this year — which falls on April 21 — coincides with a very important milestone — Queen Elizabeth's 93rd birthday. And while the queen will likely still attend St. George's church as per tradition and receive flowers, there might be some noticeable absentees from the celebration.

What will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do on Easter Sunday?

With Meghan due to give birth any day now, it's highly unlikely that the pair will join the Windsors for the church service. In fact, some are even speculating that Meghan may even give birth on Easter Sunday — a fitting time given the queen will also be celebrating her own birthday.

And while global attention around the birth of the royal baby is likely to be significant, an announcement over the Easter break would be a slightly less hectic time with many people enjoying a break with their families.

What will Prince William and Kate Middleton do for Easter Sunday?

In an interesting parallel, it was Easter time last year that Kate herself was preparing to give birth to her third child, Prince Louis. While it's not been officially confirmed that the Cambridge clan will attend the church service, we're sincerely hoping that we'll be seeing the family there. The Easter break is also an exciting time for the family of five, as Prince Louis will celebrate his 1st birthday on April 23.

In what other ways will the royals celebrate Easter?

Each year, the queen travels to different cathedrals around the UK to hand out Maundy Money. This usually occurs on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The ceremony, which has taken place since 600 AD, involves the handing out of 80 pence worth of Maundy Money to 80 men and 80 women in recognition of their contribution to the community and the church. The coins themselves bear a portrait of the queen, which was specially designed for her coronation in 1953, according to Royal.uk.

And before you ask, yes, an Easter egg hunt is still on the cards for the royals! Despite busying themselves with plenty of other traditions, there's every chance young George and Charlotte will get to partake in a royal-worthy Easter egg hunt.